The Meghalaya Cabinet has approved a series of major development proposals aimed at boosting tourism, improving road and air connectivity, and expanding household electrification across the state. The decisions, taken on Wednesday, reflect the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen infrastructure and uplift underserved regions.
A key approval involves the procurement of land to develop tourism facilities at Umpardong, Umden in Ri Bhoi district—widely known as the Silk Village. The project seeks to enhance visitor amenities in the popular weaving hub, where local communities have long demanded better lodges, rest facilities, and tourist support infrastructure.
To further support accessibility, the Cabinet sanctioned ₹50 crore for constructing the road from Nongpoh to Umden, addressing a long-standing need for better connectivity to one of the state’s prime cultural tourism destinations.
In another significant decision, the Cabinet cleared the proposal to acquire land in connection with the expansion of Shillong Airport, including land identified for exchange with the Defence establishment. The expansion will allow the airport to accommodate larger aircraft, a move expected to improve air traffic capacity and strengthen the state’s aviation network. Officials informed that the tender process for the project is already underway.
To ensure smooth progress, the Deputy Chief Minister in charge of Transport will hold consultations with local community members and the concerned headman regarding land acquisition and exchange matters. The Cabinet has given in-principle approval to accelerate these efforts.
Pushing forward with its electrification agenda, the government also approved additional household coverage under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS). Several villages and households that were left out during the 2011 census will now be included, following the Government of India’s sanction of nearly ₹500 crore to electrify these updated areas. The move is expected to bring power access to thousands of residents still living without reliable electricity.